Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1255631
wbjournal.com | June 8, 2020 | Worcester Business Journal 15 A R C H I T E C T U R E & C O N S T R U C T I O N F O C U S W H E L P I N G L O C A L M A N U F A C T U R E R S M E E T F U T U R E D E M A N D . Massachusetts manufacturers don't just make products—they create jobs. MassDevelopment offers a range of financing solutions and programs designed to help manufacturers—and the communities they reside in—thrive. Learn more at massdevelopment.com. Little Leaf Farms in Devens KHJ25508_MAS-335_Manufacturing_6.625x5.5.indd 1 2/20/20 12:58 PM regulations was significantly higher among non-union crews, especially earlier on in the crisis. Notably, the MBTC called for a com- plete non-essential construction shut- down statewide on March 31. Callahan argued in a statement at the time it was "impractical and, in many cases, impos- sible to safely work on a construction project given the current state of affairs." Together with industry stakeholders and public health experts, the MBTC worked to develop best practices and safety procedures for crew members, which are now available on the organi- zation's website. Trying to get back on schedule Although nonessential private construction sites were shuttered from March 31 to May 18, contractors interviewed for this story expressed optimism about their project timelines, contending they were on track to meet any deadlines. "We just have to engineer the work better, put the guys around the site a little bit better," said Justin Dias, spokesman for Worcester construction manager F.W. Madigan Co. Logistically, Dias said the contract- ing company attempted to tackle any timeline or planning issues in the back- ground, from the project management side of operations. To that end, he said customers and clients shouldn't feel the impact of the industry shutdown. Dias pointed out construction was going to have to resume eventually, even if nonessential projects were temporar- ily halted. ere are projects to be built and plenty of crews eager to get back to work. "Everyone's handling it a lot better than we ever thought," Dias said. "Ev- eryone's pretty receptive of all these new guidelines and protocols. I think we're moving along pretty well, and I think we're happy with how it turned out, all things considered." Worcester Polytechnic Institute is working on an $80-million campus building for new academic, research and student services space. PHOTO/GRANT WELKER PHOTO/MONICA BUSCH